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After ESPN's Marc Stein reported earlier today that the Celtics were one of many teams interested in taking a gamble on future free agent Goran Dragic, Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Suns would rather deal with teams like the Celtics rather than the teams on Dragic's wishlist (Lakers, Heat, Knicks):
Yahoo Sources: Suns much more focused on discussing Dragic deals w/ Celtics, Rockets, Kings, among others, than any teams on guard's list.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 18, 2015
It was reported that the Lakers were unwilling to remove the pick protection on their first rounder this summer in a deal for Dragic. With Carmelo Anthony now out for the season, they're not parting with their lottery ticket now. Miami looks playoff bound and owe their first rounder to the Sixers.
So, if other teams are willing to put together a better package and gamble with Dragic's impending free agency and demands of a max contract, Phoenix GM Ryan McDonough has options. From the Celtics' perspective, does this make sense? Danny won't include Marcus Smart in a deal, so why bring in another ball heavy point guard? 1) Brad Stevens' motion offense is very similar to Phoenix's two-PG attack and 2) Smart's improved shooting makes him a threat as a traditional 2-guard. If the Suns want to secure a playoff spot this spring, they could use the expiring contracts of Brandon Bass and Tayshaun Prince to shore up their bench and an added first round draft pick (this draft's Clippers' pick or a future Nets' pick) gives them options in the future.
CORRECTION:
According to Paul Palladino at SI.com, Dragic named Boston as a team he would re-sign with this summer. That eliminates some concern that he could "Dwight" the C's like Howard did the Lakers.